31 August 2023 , 12:30
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Kieran Tierney has insisted that he has no issue with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following his loan switch to Real Sociedad.
Tierney, 26, fell down the pecking order at the Emirates last season following the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko and failed to make any of the Gunners' matchday squads in the Premier League this season.
The Scottish international reportedly had a host of suitors keen on snaring his signature, but Sociedad agreed terms on a season-long loan deal with Arsenal earlier this week. Despite speculation to the contrary, Tierney has made it clear that there are no hard feelings over his Arsenal exit, with the defender stressing that his appetite for regular football was the driving factor behind the move.
Speaking in a press conference, Tierney said of the move: "I left because last season I couldn't play a lot and what I wanted was to play a lot of games and I wanted to try to do it at Real. I don't have any problem with Arsenal.
"Knowing that Real wanted to have me here, feeling all the love from the people here was very good. Being in the Basque Country, having the experience of living here and playing in La Liga, is something I am very proud of. I hope things are going very well for me here.
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"I think the team has to be very positive. They deserve to be in the Champions League, they did very well last season, also the previous ones going to the Europa League. I have already trained with my teammates and I think we are going to be up to the task."
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Kieran Tierney has insisted there are no hard feelings over his Arsenal exit (Real Sociedad TV)Before the start of the season, Arteta had insisted that Tierney remained a part of his plans. However, new signing Jurrien Timber started the season at left-back in the absence of Zinchenko, while Jakub Kiwior has also deputised in the role in recent weeks.
When he was asked if Tierney could feature for Arsenal this season in July, Arteta replied: "He is in our plans, and as you said, he came on really well [on Saturday in a pre-season match against Manchester United].
"It’s not the first time, every time he’s played in pre-season, he’s been really good. This is why we want to create competition in the team, raise the level of each individual and that’s going to be a huge benefit for the team to get to another level."